Geelong Deanery
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This Charter is based on the ministry and words of Jesus who came to bring Good News to the poor. The Charter embodies Catholic Social teaching, the aim of which is to transform the world, to make it a community where human dignity is promoted and human rights are respected.
Six Basic Principles
Human Dignity – enhancing human dignity is the most basic principle.
The call to Community and the Common Good – human life is life in community. Everyone has an obligation to contribute to the good of the whole community – to the common good.
The Rights and Responsibilities of the Person – each person’s basic rights must be respected; the right to those things that make life truly human: food; clothing; shelter; conscience; religious liberty; education; employment; freedom from discrimination and a fair share of earthly goods.
The dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers – work is a means by which people contribute to the common good. People have a right to decent, productive work and fair wages.
The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – the basic moral test for any society is how the weak are treated.
Solidarity – we are one human family whatever our cultural differences. Solidarity is the core of the Church’s concern for world peace, global development, and international human rights.
Information about the Committee, including details of meetings
and events can be obtained from the Committee’s co-ordinator, Gordon
Snowdon on 52214642. The Committee’s contact person for media enquiries
is Michael Leahy on 52561656
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Charter
of the
Geelong Catholic Deanery Social Justice Committee
PREAMBLE
THIS CHARTER is based on the ministry and words of Jesus
who came to bring good news to the poor.
THIS CHARTER embodies Catholic Social teaching, the aim
of which is to transform this world; to make it a community where human
dignity is promoted and human rights respected.
SIX BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THIS CHARTER
1. Human Dignity – enhancing human dignity is the
most basic principle.
2. The call to Community and the Common Good –
human life is life in community. Everyone has an obligation to contribute
to the good of the whole community – to the common good.
3. The Rights and Responsibilities of the Person –
each person’s basic rights must be respected; the right to those
things that make life truly human; food; clothing; shelter; conscience;
religious liberty; education; employment; freedom from discrimination
and a fair share of earthly goods.
4. The dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers – work is a means by which people contribute to the common good. People
have a right to decent, productive work and fair wages.
5. The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – the
basic moral test for any society is how the weak are treated.
6. Solidarity – we are one human family whatever
our cultural differences. Solidarity is the core of the Church’s
concern for world peace, global development, and international human rights.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty
and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
Matthew 25:35
Background
The social justice group was established in 1980 by the initiative of Michael King and Shirley Carroll. This move followed the publication of the 1980 Social Justice Statement ‘Poverty, Power and the Church’. This initiative received strong encouragement from Monsignor James Murray PE. It was named the St Mary’s Social Justice Committee.
Committee
The Committee usually meets at 7.30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at St Mary’s Parish Centre.
Its purpose is to explore, discuss and act upon a wide range of social justice issues. A coordinator is appointed to oversee general operations. The chair for each meeting is selected on a rotation basis with members being asked to volunteer for the role. Sub committees are appointed on an ad hoc basis. The Committee actively liaises with other Geelong social justice groups, or similar.
Currently regular reports are presented from representatives of the following Geelong groups:
- One Fire – Indigenous
- Inter Faith – Ecumenism
- Grain – Refugees
- City of Greater Geelong East Timor Friendship Committee
- NILS – No interest loans for low income families (St Vincent de Paul)
Guests
Guest speakers have enriched committee meetings, giving members an opportunity of conveying ideas and suggestions. Recent guests have included:
- Richard Marles MP
- Gavan O’Connor MP
- Mike Kelly - Barwon Youth Accommodation Services
- Tim Gooden - Geelong Trades Hall
- Bishop Christopher Prowse
The Committee organises an Annual Public Forum. It has been fortunate to have engaged the following notable Australian social justice advocates and practitioners:
- Julian Burnside QC
- Les Twentyman
- Fr Bob Maguire
- Rev Tim Costello
Advocacy
The Committee has advocated on a wide range of issues. The general process used is for a committee member to raise an issue - local, national or global and the Committee develops a position statement. Where necessary a sub committee is formed. Once a position is adopted a campaign is initiated to raise public awareness of the issue, and to attempt its amelioration. Action can include approaches to relevant levels of Government, letter writing, and presentation of submissions
Recent Issues -
- Homelessness
- Asylum Seekers/Refugees
- Indigenous Disadvantage
- Australian Overseas Development Assistance
- Gambling and Poker Machines
- Housing Affordability
- Short and Long Term Crisis Accommodation
- Palestinian Israeli Conflict
- Housing Affordability
- Hospital Waiting Lists
Justice News
As part of the Committee’s educational function a quarterly newsletter, Justice News, is published and distributed amongst parishes and elsewhere. The cost is covered by the Geelong Deanery. The current coordinator of the newsletter is John Day. Past copies of Justice News can be found on this webpage.
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
The Committee welcomes and encourages the attendance at meetings of any person interested in and committed to the cause of social justice. Information about the Committee, including details of meetings and events can be obtained from the Committee’s Co-ordinator Gordon Snowdon on 52214642.
The Committee’s contact person for media enquiries is Michael Leahy on 52561656
The group was re-named the Geelong Catholic Social Justice Committee in 1985. It is a committee of the Geelong Deanery of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Current membership also includes members from other churches.
| NEWSLETTER |
Past editions of the Geelong Catholic Deanery Social Justice Committee Newsletter may be downloaded below;
Newsletter - October 2007 (pdf format)
Newsletter - April 2006Newsletter - December 2005